Spring Time in Riverdale

A Backyard Garden Cleanup in Riverdale

Late April and early May is the time I'm devoted to spring cleanups here in Toronto. I live downtown so most of my clients are nearby in neighbourhoods called Leslieville and Riverdale. The gardens are usually small but "intensive" with many perennials and woody plants. Growing lawns is impractical due to small garden sizes and the many mature trees gracing these neighbourhoods; consequently, homeowners aren't usually assaulted by the whine of gas-powered blowers inflicted by the traditional "mow-blow-go" landscape maintenance crews.

This post covers another typical spring work day for me: raking and pruning done quietly and efficiently. The weather was perfect to be working outside: sunny, cool and dry. Just wish it was like this come August but I know better.

Riverdale Backyard Spring Garden Cleanup Before

Riverdale Backyard Spring Cleanup Before 

 Riverdale Backyard Spring Cleanup Before

 Riverdale Backyard Spring Garden Cleanup Before 

Riverdale Backyard Spring Garden Cleanup Before 

It's not a large garden at all but stuffed full of perennials, shrubs like hydrangeas and small trees like this "Bloodgood" Japanese maple above in a corner. There were a few weeds as it's still early days so the bulk of the cleanup involved removing matted leaves from last autumn.

 Riverdale Backyard Spring Garden Cleanup After

Riverdale Backyard Spring Cleanup After 

 Riverdale Backyard Spring Cleanup After 

Riverdale Backyard Spring Garden Cleanup After 

Riverdale Backyard Spring Cleanup After